How to Stay Healthy During Summer: 4 Important Tips

How to Stay Healthy During Summer: 4 Important Tips 

Summertime is filled with fun, activities, and family, and it can be easy to forget about your health and Summer’s unique set of health hazards. You may be wondering how to stay healthy during Summer. Remembering the little things (and big things) that are important to summertime safety and enjoyment can make a difference as to whether we end up in the emergency room or can look back at this time with fond memories.

1. Skin care

Don’t get burned! When you’re outdoors you’re getting UV radiation even when it’s cloudy, or are just running errands, or just going for a 20-minute walk. Ultraviolet exposure increases between four and 10 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level. If you live in Denver at a mile high, your UV radiation can be almost twice as much than at sea level. At the very least, skin can get damaged by UV light resulting in brown spots, coarse, dry skin and wrinkles. At the worst, one really bad sunburn can double your risk of melanoma.

What can you do?

• Get a yearly all-body skin check by a dermatologist. Examine your skin regularly and watch out for changes in moles, skin texture, planter’s warts (usually on the bottom of feet and in between toes) and other spots that change or suddenly appear.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and apply every two hours if you’re outside for an extended period of time. Wear a hat for extra protection.³
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
• Eat deep-sea, fatty fish a couple times a week or take an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement to keep skin moist and supple.
• Take a vitamin C supplement to support collagen production.

2. Allergies

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. And reportedly, our allergies are getting worse due to global warming because trees and grasses are growing faster. Simply put, there’s more pollen in the air to irritate us. Allergies result from a number of things: genetics, environmental pollutants, and exhausted adrenal glands.² Added to that, a weak immune system exacerbates our susceptibility to the millions of allergens we’re exposed to on a daily basis.¹

What can you do?

• Keep the windows in your bedroom closed at night so you’re not breathing in pollen. Turn on the air conditioner instead.
• Try to stay indoors on windy days when the pollen and mold spores are flying around.⁴
• Use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area in order to prevent indoor mold and dust mites from thriving.
• Enjoy the outdoors after a heavy rain when most pollen has been washed out of the air.
• Take immune support supplements such as vitamin C, elderberry, zinc with copper, and probiotics.

3. Healthy eyes

Did you know that your eyes are most vulnerable to harmful UV light at dawn and dusk because of the direct angle of incoming light? It’s always important to protect our precious eyes from UV light no matter what time of day, weather or time of year. It is especially important during the summer when we spend more time outdoors and the sun is strongest. As we get older, our eye sight begins to change. We may even develop cataracts or macular degeneration. Some of the damage can be prevented by wearing sunglasses with UV and UVB protection.³

What can you do?

• Wear a hat and sunglasses with complete ultraviolet protection.
• Wash your hands regularly and avoid rubbing your eyes. Remember that the coronavirus can enter your body via the eyes.
• Get plenty of sleep. Tired eyes do not serve us well throughout the day. If they are tired, we are more likely to rub them, making them more vulnerable to irritants and infections.
• Get a yearly eye exam that includes dilation so your doctor can get a good look at your retina and optic nerve.
• Use lubricating eye drops if necessary. (Speak with your doctor about this.)
• Eat the rainbow. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants, including lutein, that support eye health.

4. Remember to Stay Hydrated!

Drink plenty of water and/or iced herbal teas to replenish what you lose every day. Reduce and/or eliminate sugary drinks that provide empty calories or sugar substitutes that are not good for you.

Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Summertime Smoothies

Banana Berry Shake

• 1 frozen banana
• ¼ cup sliced strawberries
• 8 ounces of milk or non-dairy drink such as soy, almond, or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of whey protein powder
• Blend together until smooth.

Berry Sunrise Shake

• 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
• 3 medium strawberries
• 8 ounces of orange juice
• 1 scoop of whey protein powder
• Blend together until smooth.